SNOOKER'S biggest stars will once again head to Llandudno’s Venue Cymru, from March 19 to 24 2019, as the town will stage the new Tour Championship for the first time.

It will be the fifth consecutive year that the North Wales town has hosted a major event, having staged the World Grand Prix in 2015-16 and the Players Championship in 2017-18.

The Tour Championship is a new event in the same series. Only the leading eight players on the 2018/19 season one year ranking list will qualify, so it will be an elite field of the best cue kings on the planet.

Chester-cueman Ricky Walden will be hoping to have a successful season and book his spot in Llandudno.

Last season’s Players Championship in Llandudno was won by Ronnie O’Sullivan, beating Shaun Murphy in the final. Also in the field were the likes of Mark Selby, Judd Trump, John Higgins and Mark Williams.

With extensive live television coverage from ITV4, the tournament offers a top prize of £150,000 from a total prize fund of £375,000.

Richard Jones, Marketing Manager at Venue Cymru, said: “Venue Cymru is very pleased to host such another fantastic Snooker tournament. These events generate a huge amount of interest and we attract customers from all across the UK, as well as great support from Llandudno and Conwy County residents.

“It is a great attraction for the town, and once again we expect many local businesses to benefit from the event. The Players Championship earlier this year saw record attendance figures, and I am confident we will attract even more people for the Ladbrokes Tour Championship in 2019.”